The Swedish couple is part of Audi's big investment with the legends Carlos Sainz and Stephane Peterhansel in three electric cars.

It was a stage victory and ninth place overall in the debut in the car class during the previous edition.

Thus they also became the best crew in the team.

- The Dakar adventure that Emil and I started is my biggest challenge in my career.

It is difficult.

Dangerous.

It's a true endurance sport, says Ekström.

“Impossible to be lucky in Dakar”

The dreaded rally is being contested for the 45th time - starting in Yanbu, Saudi Arabia, on New Year's Eve and finishing in Jeddah on January 14.

500 mile special stages, longer and tougher than last year's competition.

The Swedish couple come well prepared to the rally.

- The more time I spend and invest in preparation, the better the payoff in this sport, he says.

- It is impossible to be lucky in Dakar.

Because it is far too long and tough.

CUT: See the full report for the Dakar Rally

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Mattias Ekström before the Dakar rally